I do not agree that it was unprofessional and wrong. The prosecutors were sending a subliminal message that the defendant was going to get their full and complete efforts. Society should demand the death penalty far more frequently in cases of homicide. It certainly cuts down on the recidivisim rate for those executed.

IMO it was definitely unproffessional and not too bright either. I've seen "gag" ties at appearances (e.g. Case Management Conference, etc.) but never at trial. What's worse, defense counsel should have immediately advised the clerk that he wished to speak to the judge on the record and outside the presence of the jury at which time he should have made his prompt objection.

Again, its just my opinion but this is more evidence, as if any were needed, that lawyers are NOT all smart people.